‘Public Defender’ Film Screening, Relationship-Building Workshop

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Join filmmaker Andrea Kalin on Thursday, January 9, 2025, in Washington, D.C., for a free screening of her latest award-winning documentary, Public Defender, along with a conversation involving several key participants from the film, including attorney Heather Shaner and executive producer Richard Schiff.  

At a pivotal moment in history, Public Defender examines the fault lines of American democracy through the lens of Shaner, a seasoned and fiercely compassionate public defender in Washington, D.C. For more than 45 years, Shaner has fought for justice for those who cannot afford a lawyer. When she was tasked with representing January 6 rioters, her empathy and dedication were put to the test. Despite starkly different political beliefs, she worked to restore humanity one relationship at a time, advocating for second chances with fairness and compassion. The film follows her journey and those of several of her clients, offering an exploration of justice, empathy, and the complexities of human connection. 

The evening is divided into two parts - and audiences can participate in both or only one of the segments:

Film and conversation: The film screening begins at 7:00 pm, followed by a panel discussion moderated by Andrea Kalin, the documentary's director, producer and writer. Panel participants include:

Richard Schiff, executive producer, is an award-winning actor and director and published writer. His awards include an Emmy along with three Emmy nominations and two SAG awards. He is best known for his roles of Toby Ziegler on West Wing and Dr. Glassman on The Good Doctor.

Heather Shaner, documentary participant, is well known within the Washington, DC, legal community as a public defender passionate about prompting her clients' curiosity and deepening their understanding of history. She acted as legal counsel to January 6 defendants.

Annie Howell, documentary participant, became involved in the January 9 attack on the Capitol and became Heather Shaner's client. In the months leading up to January 6, Howell now says she was driven by fear and became convinced that America was becoming a socialist dystopia.

Kate Woodsome, senior producer, is an award-winning journalist and filmmaker whose work provides insights into the connections between mental health and democracy. While at The Washington Post, Woodsome won the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service with colleagues covering the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. 

Ethan Oser, producer and director of photography, is a filmmaker with a decade of experience telling perspective-shifting stories. Oser has a BA in journalism and mass communications from George Washington University and has been with Spark Media since 2013.

Connor Holloway, Peoplehood facilitator, is a leading guide for individuals and teams to create more honest and empathetic conversations at home, at work and beyond. Holloway is a former tenured dancer with the American Ballet Theatre and has a background in creative marketing and communications.

Interactive workshop: At 5:30 pm, ahead of the film screening, Holloway will facilitate a 60-minute interactive listening workshop organized through Peoplehood, an organization dedicated to relational health and meaningful connection. Through guided breathing exercises and dialogue, the workshop aims to provide practical tools to navigate differences, build stronger relationships and foster deeper connections. Peoplehood seeks to provide a safe and supportive space, emphasizing empathy and understanding to bridge divides and find clarity in even the toughest conversations.

A book drive inspired by the film’s themes also is part of the evening and will benefit DC Books to Prisons.

Organizers include DC Public Library, Pulitzer Center, and WETA.

Registration is required.